Queensland tourism industry shines on national stage

Published Saturday, 25 February, 2017 at 11:00 AM

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Four of Queensland’s leading regional tourism events and operators have taken out top honours at the prestigious Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin overnight.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones said the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo, Ocean Rafting based in the Whitsundays and regional tour operator Fun Over Fifty came out on top at the gala ceremony.

“Queensland events guru Harvey Lister, Chairman of CEO of AEG Ogden, also took out top honours, by receiving the coveted Australian Tourism Legend award,” Ms Jones said.

“Congratulations to all of the Queensland winners and nominees who were recognised at the Australian tourism industry’s night of nights for their outstanding contributions to our industry.

“I am immensely proud of these outstanding Queensland tourism operators for representing our state at the highest level on the national stage.

“The Australian Tourism Awards recognise the exceptional achievements of the nation’s best tourism businesses, shining the spotlight on those individuals, companies and events who are leading the way.

“I am pleased to say that Queensland was well represented across the 23 award categories, with strong nominations from around the state including the Outback, Tropical North Queensland and Southern Queensland Country.”

Ms Jones said Queensland won a total of 13 prizes on the night, also taking out five Silver and three Bronze awards.

“These outstanding results highlight the strength of Queensland’s world-class tourism industry,” she said.

“Over the past 12 months our $23 billion tourism industry has been booming, with significant investments in the pipeline, major events secured, increased aviation capacity and continued domestic and international visitor growth.

“Our Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, in partnership the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, will continue to be strong advocates for advancing Queensland’s tourism industry to ensure we achieve ongoing growth and success.

“As we look forward to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and with the world’s largest tourism market – Asia – right on our doorstep, our tourism industry is primed to go from strength to strength.”

The Queensland award winners are listed below. More information is available at www.australiantourismawards.com.au

Queensland winners at the Australian Tourism Awards

AUSTRALIAN TOURISM LEGEND

  • Harvey Lister, Chairman and CEO of AEG Ogden

GOLD AWARDS

SILVER AWARDS

BRONZE AWARDS

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